Gamers who want to participate in the alpha can purchase access through Steam via the Arma 3 Alpha Pack for $32.99 or Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition for $49.99. An Arma 3 Supporter Edition is also available for $91.99.

All three available editions of Arma 3 include access to the Arma 3 beta phase scheduled to start in the second quarter of this year and a digital copy of the full game when it releases in the third quarter of 2013.

The Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition will also include a digital soundtrack, digital maps, digital tactical guide and a Steam gift card for Arma: Cold War Assault (formerly known as Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis). The Arma 3 Supporter Edition includes all of the same bonuses plus a Steam gift card for Arma X, all future DLC for Arma 3, a special forums medal and a chance for buyers to get their name in the game’s credits.

Prices on each edition of Arma 3 are expected to rise once the game enters beta and again when it is officially released.

Developer Bohemia Interactive is also planning to release a free version of the alpha. Arma 3 Alpha Lite will be available for download beginning March 14. The free version of the game does not support multiplayer or modding abilities. Players who purchase Arma 3 now for access to the alpha will be able to invite other gamers to download Arma 3 Alpha Lite. The free alpha access will expire June 15 and does not include any future content.

The Arma 3 alpha will include a limited amount of playable and sandbox content. Bohemia is expected to provide continued support for the game until the beta phase begins.

Gamers will be able to play four showcase missions, which include infantry, vehicles, SCUBA and helicopter missions. The alpha will also feature a limited amount of weapons and vehicles, two multiplayer scenarios, the scenario editor and support for mods. It will take place on the island of Stratis, which is off the coast of the game’s main setting of Altis.

Ryan Bloom

Ryan Bloom is a writer and avid gamer from Orange County. He received a B.A. in Communications with a minor in American Studies from California State University, Fullerton in 2010. Follow him on Twitter @BloomsTweets.